Varicose veins are not only unsightly, but they are also a sign of vein problems. Fortunately, available treatment, such as endovenous thermal ablation, reduces the appearance of varicose veins and boosts your vascular health in the process.
Cardiovascular physician Nader Chadda, MD, and the team at Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates, with offices in Land O’Lakes, Hudson, and Brooksville, Florida, specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. We are here to help you keep your cardiovascular system strong and healthy.
Varicose veins occur when blood vessel valves meant to keep blood flowing toward the heart weaken and fail to function as they should. As a result, blood flows backward and pools in your veins, placing excess pressure on the vein walls.
Over time, blood vessel walls weaken under the added pressure and lose their form, causing bulging, twisted, and discolored veins to appear near the surface of the skin.
Varicose veins can form anywhere in the body, however, due to gravity, they typically form in the legs. Some people with varicose veins are embarrassed at the appearance of their legs and as a result may avoid wearing clothing that shows their legs. It's important to know that varicose veins are more than a cosmetic issue; they’re a sign that the vein valves in your legs aren’t functioning efficiently.
Endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) uses high-frequency radio waves to create heat that is directed to targeted blood vessels. The radio frequency heat closes bad veins while leaving them intact. The body reroutes blood to healthier veins, thereby improving your vascular health.
ETA is associated with minimal bleeding and bruising when compared with other varicose vein treatments. The goal is to not only reduce the appearance of your varicose veins, but to also reduce your risk of complications from vein problems.
ETA uses ultrasound guided technology, which consists of an ultrasound machine that guides your provider to the target vein. A transducer sends high frequency sound waves into the body that are absorbed by the targeted vein. The computer creates an image that your provider uses as guidance.
Using the ultrasound guide, your provider carefully and precisely inserts a catheter through the skin and positions it within the bad veins. An electrode is inserted through the catheter, and the heat energy penetrates the varicose vein. The entire procedure takes 1-3 hours depending on the size, location, and number of varicose veins.
Dr. Chadda performs a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment approach for your varicose veins. Some treatments are more effective and appropriate for smaller varicose veins. Endovenous thermal ablation is very effective at eliminating large varicose veins.
Most patients fully recover in 7 to 14 days. This outpatient procedure does not require a hospital stay. Dr. Chadda gives you instructions to follow after the procedure. Generally, patients need to elevate the treated leg and keep the incisions clean and dry. Compression stockings are typically worn to assist in healing.
This newer technique for eliminating varicose veins has many benefits. Some of those benefits are:
Endovenous thermal ablation is highly effective at reducing the appearance of varicose veins, with a high satisfaction rate and very low risk of complications.
When varicose veins occur, the team at Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates has you covered. To start your journey toward eliminating varicose veins, call the office nearest you and speak with a knowledgeable member of our team. Our staff is standing by to answer your questions and to help you schedule an appointment with Dr. Chadda. Take the first step to being varicose vein-free today.
